51ºÚÁÏ

AQA GCSE Religious Studies – The Death Penalty

This balanced and thought-provoking lesson supports the AQA GCSE Religious Studies specification and examines the complex issue of the death penalty through religious, ethical, and philosophical lenses. Students will explore arguments for and against capital punishment, evaluate it through the principle of utility and the sanctity of life, and analyse Christian and Islamic attitudes towards its use in modern society. The lesson promotes critical thinking, moral reflection, and exam-ready evaluation skills.

Learning Outcomes:

• Know and understand key arguments both for and against the death penalty, including legal, moral, and practical perspectives
• Explain ethical arguments related to the principle of utility (Utilitarianism) and the sanctity of life
• Consider and analyse Christian and Islamic teachings and attitudes towards capital punishment, supported by religious texts and reasoning

What’s Included:

• Engaging and visually appealing PowerPoint presentation
• A starter activity recaps prior knowledge from the scheme of work (SOW), helping students to connect new learning to what they already know.
• Throughout the lesson, **questioning activities **are used to promote discussion, check understanding, and encourage participation.
• Student worksheet with comprehension, analysis, and reflection tasks
• Key religious teachings from Christianity and Islam with application activities
• Students will complete an exam/ deliberate practice question to develop their assessment skills and apply their knowledge with scaffolding
• The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.

Why Choose This Resource?
Fully aligned with AQA GCSE Religious Studies (Paper 2: Thematic Studies – Crime and Punishment)
Encourages moral reasoning, empathy, and thoughtful evaluation
Uses real-world examples to bring religious teachings to life
Supports the development of high-level exam skills, including explanation and evaluation

Perfect for use as part of the Crime and Punishment topic or as a standalone lesson on death penalty and ethical issues. Suitable for mixed-ability classes and adaptable for remote or independent learning.